Car Accident Lawyer in St. Joseph, Missouri

A car accident can alter the course of someone’s life. Whether it's a collision caused by a distracted driver or a multi-vehicle crash on the highway, the aftermath can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.

Murphy, Kinney & Sumy, LLC helps people make informed decisions about what to do next—starting with knowing when to contact a lawyer. With years of legal experience focused on Missouri injury law, the firm’s goal is to support clients in St. Joseph, Missouri, through each step of the legal process and help them work through the challenges a serious crash can bring.

When Someone Should Call a Lawyer After a Crash

Not every fender bender requires legal support, but some car accident cases are simply too serious to handle alone. When an injury, dispute, or financial loss becomes too significant, it's time to contact a lawyer. Here are several signs that legal help may be needed:

• Severe injuries were sustained: These may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, or other life-altering conditions that require long-term care or rehabilitation.

• Fault is disputed: If both parties claim the other caused the crash, having a lawyer can help collect and present evidence to confirm liability.

• Multiple vehicles were involved: Multi-car crashes can become complicated quickly, particularly when insurance companies dispute responsibility.

• Insurance claims were denied or undervalued: When an insurer refuses to pay or offers a settlement that doesn’t cover the losses, legal action may be necessary.

• There is evidence that the other driver was negligent: This may include texting while driving, speeding, or operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If any of these apply, it’s wise to speak to a car accident lawyer as early as possible. Doing so can help protect the injured party's legal rights while the evidence is still fresh and available.

Why Fault Matters in Missouri Car Accidents

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means each party involved in a car accident can be held partially responsible, and their compensation can be reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if a driver is found 30% at fault for a crash, any award they receive will be reduced by that same percentage.

Because of this, determining fault becomes central to any claim. A lawyer can help by collecting medical records, police reports, witness statements, photographs, and even accident reconstruction reports to support the client’s position. When multiple parties or companies are involved, a lawyer’s ability to coordinate evidence is especially valuable.

Common Causes of Car Crashes

Crashes can happen for many reasons. While every case is unique, there are several recurring patterns in the types of negligence that lead to serious accidents:

• Distracted driving: Includes texting, eating, using GPS, or any activity that takes the driver’s attention off the road.

• Speeding: Increases both the likelihood of an accident and the severity of any resulting injuries.

• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs impair reaction time and judgment, putting everyone on the road in danger.

• Fatigue: Especially common among commercial drivers, drowsy driving can lead to slower reflexes or even falling asleep behind the wheel.

• Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice contribute to thousands of crashes each year and require drivers to adjust their behavior accordingly.

Identifying the cause of a car accident helps determine liability, especially in situations where more than one driver may be partially responsible.

Injuries That Frequently Occur in Car Accidents

The human body isn’t designed to absorb the force of a vehicle collision. As a result, even a crash at 25 mph can cause lasting harm. Lawyers regularly handle cases involving:

• Whiplash: A soft tissue neck injury caused by sudden back-and-forth motion, often seen in rear-end collisions.

• Back injuries: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or spinal cord trauma can affect mobility and daily function.

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can result in memory loss, emotional changes, and difficulty concentrating.

• Broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures are common, especially in side-impact and rollover crashes.

• Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if untreated.

A thorough medical evaluation after a crash is critical—not only for health reasons but also for documenting injuries in a potential legal claim.

The Steps Involved in Pursuing a Car Accident Claim

Once a person contacts a car accident lawyer, the process typically follows a series of legal and investigative steps:

1. Case review and evidence gathering: The lawyer will evaluate the claim, collect relevant documents, and identify potential witnesses.

2. Claim filing: A formal demand for compensation is sent to the at-fault party’s insurance provider.

3. Negotiation: Most car accident cases settle out of court through back-and-forth communication between the lawyer and insurance adjusters.

4. Filing a lawsuit (if needed): If the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, the lawyer may recommend taking the case to court.

5. Trial and verdict: A judge or jury will hear the evidence and decide on fault, damages, and compensation.

Each step can take weeks or months depending on the case’s severity and the willingness of the parties to cooperate. Having legal guidance can make the process more manageable.

What Damages Can Be Recovered

In a successful car accident claim, a client may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages. These typically include:

• Medical expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future care needed.

• Lost wages: If the injured person is unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, they can seek reimbursement for that lost income.

• Property damage: The cost to repair or replace a vehicle or any personal belongings damaged in the crash.

• Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident.

• Loss of enjoyment: If the injury interferes with hobbies, social life, or overall quality of life.

The firm at Murphy, Kinney & Sumy, LLC works closely with clients to calculate all possible damages and advocate for fair compensation.

How Car Insurance Affects Legal Claims

Missouri law requires drivers to carry minimum levels of liability coverage, but that doesn’t always cover all damages. Many people learn after a car accident that the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to pay for their injuries. Others encounter delays and denials as insurers try to limit their payout.

This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage becomes critical. These policies may cover the difference when the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage. A lawyer can examine all available policies to identify every possible source of recovery, including:

• The at-fault driver’s policy

• The injured driver’s own policy

• Umbrella or excess policies

• Policies carried by employers (for commercial drivers)

• Vehicle owner’s policy (if the driver borrowed someone else’s car)

Without someone to review the fine print, it’s easy to miss important opportunities for recovery.

Car Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles

When a truck, delivery van, or rideshare vehicle is involved in a car accident, the legal issues become more complicated. These cases may involve:

• Multiple insurance policies

• Employer liability

• Federal safety regulations

• Event data recorders (black boxes)

• Maintenance logs and driver logs

Whether the at-fault party is an independent contractor or employed by a company may affect how the case proceeds. The firm reviews employment structures, safety violations, and vehicle maintenance records to determine who may be legally and financially responsible.

Wrongful Death Cases After a Fatal Crash

Tragically, some car accidents result in fatalities. When that happens, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These claims provide compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses

• Loss of financial support

• Loss of companionship and guidance

• Emotional suffering

Wrongful death cases must be filed within a specific period, known as the statute of limitations. In Missouri, that time frame is generally three years from the date of death. Speaking with a lawyer quickly can help preserve the right to file and begin building a strong case.

Statute of Limitations and Other Time Limits

Legal deadlines are important in every car accident case. In Missouri, most personal injury claims must be filed within five years of the crash. However, shorter time frames may apply when:

• A government vehicle was involved

• A minor was injured (in some cases, the clock doesn't start until they turn 21)

• The injury wasn’t discovered until later (as in certain soft tissue or internal injuries)

Failing to file in time can result in losing the right to recover damages. This is why early legal consultation is recommended, even if the case doesn’t seem urgent at first.

How a Lawyer Helps Clients Build a Strong Claim

Even when the facts of a car accident seem clear, insurance companies often push back or look for ways to minimize their financial responsibility. A lawyer can help by:

• Investigating the cause of the accident: Collecting and preserving evidence before it’s lost.

• Interviewing witnesses: Securing clear, consistent testimony to support the injured person’s account.

• Coordinating with medical professionals: Gathering records and treatment plans to support claims for damages.

• Reviewing insurance policies: Identifying available coverage and confirming how policies interact.

• Negotiating with adjusters: Using detailed case analysis to push for fair settlements.

These efforts allow clients to focus on healing and moving forward while their legal interests are being handled.

Car Accident Lawyer Serving St. Joseph, Missouri

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a car accident, it’s important to act quickly. Murphy, Kinney & Sumy, LLC serves clients throughout St. Joseph, Missouri, and stands ready to help individuals manage the legal and financial challenges that often follow a serious crash. Contact the firm to schedule a free consultation and begin the process of moving forward.